Have you ever thought about who is massaging you? Do you know anything about their background, qualifications or skills? Did you know that in Australia there is no regulation of the massage industry? Or that you don’t need qualifications to work as a massage therapist?
Recently Massage and Myotherapy Australia (M&MA) has called for the introduction of a formal register to ensure the public receives safe massage. Unfortunately this has fallen on deaf ears. There has been a crack down on fraudulent practices within the health insurance sector. However, regulation around massage therapy still does not exist.
How to know if your massage therapist is qualified?
The best way to tell if they are qualified is to ask to see their qualifications. Also find out if they are a registered member of an association. You can ask the clinic or massage therapist directly. They should also display their qualifications alongside their prices and association certificate, as a requirement of the association.
If they are registered with an association, the massage therapist is required to adhere to a code of ethics and standards of practice. These include having and maintaining their qualifications, first aid certificates and appropriate insurance.
What usually happens in a massage session?
A qualified therapist will also ask you to fill out a form with your details and some questions about your medical history. They will talk to you and assess what you need treated. Then explain what they plan to do, and ask for your consent to do so.
For example, if you were to see a remedial massage therapist for an injury; they will ask you about the pain and what may have caused it. Then they will explain what they plan to massage and ask you if that is okay. They will also explain what clothing you need to remove and tell you to cover yourself with a towel. The massage therapist should leave the room while you are changing. Draping with a towel or sheet should be used for privacy at all times. Only the area being worked on should be exposed while they are massaging.
If you feel uncomfortable or hesitant at any time, you have every right to say no, and end the session.
Why do we need regulation?
Unfortunately the lack of regulation means anyone can work without qualifications. In the case of an accident or injury neither you, nor the person performing the massage, is likely to be protected. They may also be working under other mitigating circumstances.
The best way to find a qualified massage therapist is to look directly via the massage associations. They often have registers to find local therapists. M&MA also have guidelines on what to look for when you get there.
ALM Remedial offers remedial massage and myotherapy treatments to the Yarra Valley, Lilydale and Dandenong ranges areas
